1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Escape (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 144 kg more than 2012 Ford Escape.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Ford Escape (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ford |
| Model | S | Escape |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1466 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 66 L |
